Mamoru Shinozaki (b. 19 February 1908, Fukuoka, Japan–d. 1991, location unknown) came to Singapore in 1938 as a Japanese ...

Charles Joseph Pemberton Paglar (b. 1 September 1894, Alor Gajah, Malacca –d. 9 December 1954, Singapore), surgeon, member of the Legislative Council, philanthropist and sports patron, was a prominent Eurasian leader. During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore (1942–45), he was coerced to serve as the president of the Japanese-sponsored Eurasian Welfare Association – a connection that led to his indictment for treason by the British after the war.1 Paglar was not convicted as the case was withdrawn.2

Early lifeBorn to a British father and Indian mother, an orphaned Paglar was adopted by Alexander John Francis Paglar, a Catholic Eurasian planter, miner, magistrate, and justice of the peace in Malacca.3 He received his early education at a convent in Penang and later at the St Francis Institution in Malacca. In 1910, he obtained the Diamond Jubilee Scholarship and, in 1917, graduated from the King Edward VII College of Medicine in Singapore. Upon graduation, Paglar worked as an assistant house surgeon at the Singapore General Hospital.4

Medical careerDuring the World War I, Paglar served as a medical staff sergeant of the field ambulance unit at the Military Hospital on Belakang Mati (present-day Sentosa).5

In the 1920s, Paglar set up his private practice at Joo Chiat that led to the establishment of the Paglar Maternity and Nursing Home (where the Parkway East Hospital now stands). In addition to this medical practice, Paglar also established the Paglar Pharmacy at North Bridge Road.6 In 1926, Paglar furthered his medical studies in Edinburgh, and obtained honours in surgery and midwifery at the Royal College of Surgeons' examination a year later.7 He also did post-graduate work in Java, Syria, France and Germany.8

Paglar became known for his excellent medical skills, and was appointed personal physician to Sultan Ibrahim of Johor in 1930. He was also the consultant and adviser to the sultan in the planning and construction of the Johor Bahru General Hospital (now known as the Sultanah Aminah Hospital). In recognition of his services to the Johor crown, Paglar was conferred the title of “Dato” (Order of the Crown of Johor) in 1948.9Japanese OccupationIn the days leading to the fall of Singapore, Paglar served as the surgeon-in-charge at an emergency hospital for war casualties operated by the Medical Auxiliary Service at the Yeok Eng School in Tanjong Katong.10 There, he provided free treatment to war victims and the sick.11 During the Japanese Occupation, the Japanese made him the president of the Eurasian Welfare Association with the motive of making him carry out their orders.12 In those days, the Japanese regarded the Eurasians with suspicion due to their close affiliation with the British. Paglar understood the dangers to the community if they did not have an official go-between with the Japanese, and agreed to take up the post.13 However, some people did not understand him, and looked upon him as a collaborator of the enemy.14

Paglar was further implicated for his role in the resettlement of the Eurasian community in Bahau, Negri Sembilan, and in the reading of a speech pledging support for the Japanese at the birthday celebration of the emperor of Japan.15 Nevertheless, Paglar continued to help his community by providing medical aid, money, clothing and job assistance. He would treat patients with medicine bought with his own money, and was known to never turn away anyone with a medical need, regardless of his nationality or station in life.16 Paglar also made regular trips through guerilla-controlled areas to deliver his own medical supplies to the settlers in Bahau.17

Treason trialFollowing the surrender of the Japanese, Paglar was imprisoned at Outram Road and charged with treason by the British.18 At the trial held on 25 January 1946, Mamoru Shinozaki, the chief welfare officer for the Japanese military administration, testified that it was he who had written Paglar’s speeches, and that Paglar had acted under his direction in order to protect the Eurasian community.19 On 23 March 1946, the president of the court granted Paglar a discharge amounting to an acquittal.20

Contributions to societyAfter the war, Paglar continued to lead the Eurasian community, and was president of the Singapore Recreation Club from 1946 until his demise in 1954. He was known for his generosity and gave his time, energy, and money in support of many charitable and sporting organisations. These included the Adult Education Board, Singapore Table Tennis Association, Singapore Amateur Boxing Association, Singapore Amateur Weight Lifting Federation, Singapore Boy Scouts and St. John Ambulance Brigade.21

Paglar was also instrumental in the formation of the Yio Chu Kang Youth Club and the Katong Boys Club where youths could spend their time purposefully.22 He also built a Tamil school for children at Wing Loong Road, and contributed to a mosque for the Malay villages in Punggol.23 Another instance of Paglar’s philanthropic spirit was his donation to the construction of the Singapore Badminton Hall. Not only did he donate twice, he also rallied others to contribute as well.24

Political contributionsIn 1951, Paglar was elected as a member of the Legislative Council for Changi under the ticket of the Singapore Progressive Party.25 He held the seat until his death. During his term, he spoke up on many issues which affected the common man, such as the cost of living, food supply and production, healthcare, housing, education, protection for workers and businesses, and accountability in government revenue and investments.26

DeathOn 3 December 1954, Paglar was admitted to the Singapore General Hospital. He suffered a stroke a few days later and died peacefully in his sleep on 9 December , at the age of 60.27 The funeral service was held at St Joseph's Church on 12 December, and thousands turned up at the funeral procession.28 His body was laid to rest at the Bidadari Cemetery. In memoriam, a Paglar Ambulance Division was established in the St John Ambulance Brigade.29 The Paglar Cabin of the Singapore Scouts Association at Jurong Park was also named after him.30

The information in this article is valid as at 2010 and correct as far as we are able to ascertain from our sources. It is not intended to be an exhaustive or complete history of the subject. Please contact the Library for further reading materials on the topic.